GREAT COMMUNITY TURNOUT FOR TREE-PLANTING INITIATIVE

Sunday’s community tree-planting initiative saw a great turnout, with local residents coming together to help plant 40 new trees across Hutton Close and Wash Common Recreation Ground.

Volunteers gathered at Hutton Close at 10am before moving on to Wash Common Recreation Ground at 12 noon successfully planting 20 trees at each location. Equipped with wellies, gloves, and plenty of enthusiasm, participants of all ages worked together to ensure the trees were carefully planted and well supported.

The initiative, funded by Newbury Town Council in partnership with Newbury in Bloom, forms part of the Council’s ongoing environmental commitment to replace every established tree lost with two new trees. A mixture of deciduous species was planted to enhance biodiversity, improve the local environment, and support long-term sustainability.

Cllr Ian Jee, Chair of the Council’s Green Spaces Working Group, said, “We are delighted with the community response. It was wonderful to see residents giving their time to support this important initiative. Thanks to their efforts, all 40 trees were planted successfully, and the event ran extremely smoothly. 

He continued, “We would like to sincerely thank everyone who volunteered, including the many volunteers from The SEWA Group and Newbury Friends of the Earth, who helped make the day such a success. The strong community spirit on display demonstrates Newbury’s shared commitment to protecting and enhancing its green spaces for future generations.”

HSS Sewa (Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh) Newbury volunteers helped plant the trees on the day and said, “We are delighted to be taking part once again in this year’s tree-planting initiative in partnership with Newbury Town Council. What began several years ago as a simple coffee morning fundraiser to purchase trees for planting in and around Newbury has grown into a project we are incredibly proud of.

Tree planting remains one of HSS Sewa Newbury’s key community initiatives. It offers young volunteers and members of the local Hindu community a meaningful opportunity to contribute to environmental sustainability. The project reflects our core belief in protecting and nurturing nature, helping to create a greener, healthier future for generations to come”.